Mucosal and oral diseases - sometimes the help of a dentist is necessary
Mucosal and oral diseases in a nutshell
- The oral mucosa can be affected by a variety of diseases. Most of them are harmless and will heal spontaneously.
- Consult your dentist if the symptoms are persistent and bother you or you do not know what is going on.
- A mouth ulcer that does not heal on its own is always a reason to see a dentist.
A lump on the gum or in the mucous membrane of the mouth is usually a harmless symptom
A lump can develop in the mouth for a number of reasons:
- A hard, pale bump on the gum or palate is usually an overgrowth of bone that you don’t have to worry about. Inflamed roots of teeth and the surrounding tissues can also cause lumps on the gums. In this case, you need to see a dentist urgently.
- A softer, gum-coloured lump on the lip or cheek usually arises as a result of a bite or rubbing of a prosthesis. Harmless fibromas can be removed with surgery if they are constantly caught between the teeth or cause other harm.
- A blister-like lump on the lip is most often caused by damage to the salivary gland, for example, as a result of a bite. The lump can burst, but it will grow again and again unless it is removed with surgery.
- A rough-edged, bloody and ulcerative lump in the mouth should be shown to a dentist if it does not heal on its own in a couple of weeks.
Dark spots on the mucous membrane of the mouth are typically harmless
Dark grey or brown spots on the gums are typically caused by amalgam entering the tissue upon the removal of a dental amalgam filling or tooth extraction. This is very common and there are no harms related to it.
In some cases, smoking can cause excessive pigmentation of the gums in the front of the mouth.
If you have never had an amalgam filling or if the dark spot is located in the palate, you should show the lesion to the dentist. It may be a rare mole or a benign melanin spot. Melanomas on the oral mucosa are very rare.
Pale lesion in the mouth — dentists can usually help
If a pale lesion appears in your mouth, the reason for it should be determined, unless it disappears in a couple of weeks.
- Thickening of the mucous membrane as a result of tooth abrasion may manifest as a pale area in the mouth. If necessary, a dentist can correct the situation by grinding the tooth.
- Lichen planus in the mouth must always be confirmed with a biopsy. Lichen planus manifests as white strands on the cheeks and a red tongue. If the mouth is sore and stinging, the symptoms can be treated with cortisone.
- Aphthae are white blisters on the mucous membranes of the mouth. They heal spontaneously within a couple of weeks. Avoid using toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate if you suffer from aphthae.
- Pale bumps with sharp edges (leukoplakia) should be shown to a dentist for biopsy.
Redness of the mouth can be caused by a yeast infection
Oral yeast infection causes the mucous membranes of the mouth to become red and burning. In healthy people, the condition is often associated with the use of removable prostheses and orthodontic appliances. Yeast infections can also develop as a result of dry mouth, smoking, oral lichen planus, antibiotics and some diseases.
Local treatment prescribed by a dentist will cure the yeast infection. Good oral hygiene promotes healing. Clean the prostheses and orthodontic appliances regularly as well.
If the redness of the mouth does not improve in a couple of weeks, it is advisable to visit a dentist to check the situation.
Discolouration of the tongue is harmless
Your tongue may be discoloured, and its colour can vary from light to dark brown. It is a feature of the mucous membranes of the tongue, not an actual disease.
- Hairy tongue is the overgrowth of the bumps on the tongue, which is why the tongue may even look hairy. The colour can vary from yellowish to almost black. The symptoms are relieved by cleaning the tongue daily. Use a regular toothpaste and a tongue scraper. Smoking aggravates the symptoms.
- Geographic tongue is caused by partial thinning of the tongue’s mucous membranes, which manifests as red and pale spots on the surface of the tongue. Geographic tongue is sometimes accompanied by a stinging sensation of the tongue. Toothpaste for sensitive mouths can help with the sensation. If necessary, your dentist may prescribe you a cortisone medicine to relieve your symptoms.
Burning mouth syndrome is a harmless but troublesome symptom
A burning sensation in the tongue, lips or the front of the palate can be a real nuisance. These are symptoms of burning mouth syndrome, which usually affects middle-aged or older women. In some cases, it may be associated with a dry mouth or changes in the sense of taste.
The causes of burning mouth syndrome are not known, but it may be related to disturbances in the functionality of sensory nerve fibres. Fortunately, burning mouth syndrome is not harmful to your health.
The symptoms of burning mouth syndrome can be alleviated by:
- chewing gum and lozenges
- avoiding acidic foods
- using toothpaste designed for sensitive mouths
- using medicine prescribed by a dentist to treat pain
As of March 15, 2023, the polyclinic fee does not have to be paid after more than five reception visits during the calendar year. After the fifth payment, the polyclinic fee is €0 for visits for the rest of the calendar year.
If you visit our clinic and do not pay for your appointment using the available payment methods, we will send you an invoice for your appointment. The invoicing fee is EUR 5.20.
If the procedure is booked with a specialist dentist, the prices are increased by 30%.
Check out Hammas Mehiläinen's flexible payment methods
Service | Price estimate |
---|---|
Dental check-up | 54,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 84,00 € |
Dental check-up for patients with dental fear | 91,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 121,00 € |
Children and young people dental check-up Prices include the clinic fee (€33.90). Book a dental check-up for children and young people Prices 207,75–239,75 €, without Kela reimbursement 227,90–259,90 € | 207,75 € Without Kela reimbursement 227,90 € |
Dental X-ray of the teeth and jaws | Mobile Benefit 98,00 € The price with a doctor's referral after Kela compensation is €86. 109,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 118,00 € |
Tartar removal 30–45 minute appointment with a dental hygienist. Book an appointment for tartar removal Explore different payment methods Prices 130,00–183,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 138,00–195,00 € | from 130,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 138,00 € |
Tooth jewellery application The price does not include the price of tooth jewellery. | from 68,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
Dental fillings 1–3 surfaces. Prices 94,00–262,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 104,00–285,00 € | from 94,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 104,00 € |
Ceramic filling of the tooth 1–3 surfaces. Explore different payment methods Prices 279,00–561,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 279,00–618,00 € | from 279,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 279,00 € |
Dental ceramic crown Laboratory costs are not included in the price estimate. Explore different payment methods Prices 616,00–798,00 € | from 616,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
Chipped tooth Prices 94,00–262,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 104,00–285,00 € | from 94,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 104,00 € |
Tooth extraction Explore different payment methods Prices 109,00–732,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 119,00–794,00 € | from 109,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 119,00 € |
Tooth whitening Price estimate given at the free consultation appointment. Book an appointment for a free whitening consultation Prices 101,00–455,00 € | from 101,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
Whitening consultation appointment Includes an individual price estimate for teeth whitening. Book an appointment for a whitening consultation. | Free No Kela reimbursement |
Anaesthesia Prices 38,00–39,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 41,00–42,00 € | from 38,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 41,00 € |
Irrevocable absence Prices 74,00–96,00 € | 74,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
Sleep apnea guard Includes clinical work and the sleep apnea guard. Prices 1 173,00–1 323,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 1 200,00–1 350,00 € | 1 173,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 1 200,00 € |
Bite guard Includes clinical work and the bite guard. Prices 638,00–685,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 695,00–742,00 € | 638,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 695,00 € |
Symptoms related to oral health
Aphthae
Painful and itchy ulcer on the oral mucosa.
Bad breath
Often behind the smell is a problem that needs the help of a dentist.
Bruxism or teeth grinding
Tooth damage, sore bite muscles or headaches.
Chipped tooth
A piece of a tooth or a filling has come loose. Make an appointment with your dentist.
Dental cavity
Can feel like an enmity or a toothache - or you don't feel anything special.
Dental staining
Can be caused by a number of factors, such as cavities, enamel development disorders or foods.
Gingivitis
Bleeding from the gums, bad breath, bad taste in your mouth and sore gums.
Periodontitis
A common disease of the connective tissue underneath the gums which is caused by gingivitis.
Sensitivity
Pricking and sudden pain, often caused by cold, hot or touching the tooth.
Tartar
Is a bacterial plaque hardened by salivary minerals.
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD)
Pain and dysfunction of the jaw joints and masticatory muscles.
Tooth enamel damage
Tooth enamel damage is caused by tooth wear or problems with biting.
Toothache
Can be caused by a cavity or an inflamed tooth, as well as a partially erupted wisdom tooth.
Other related services
A dental implant replaces
Specialist dentist consultation and planning of further treatment.
Ceramic CEREC filling
More durable than conventional filling materials and a more aesthetic result.
Ceramic fillings
Modern and aesthetic ways to repair damaged teeth.
Clear aligner treatment with Invisalign aligners
Dentist consultation visit and selection of the Invisalign treatment method.
Cone beam examinations in dental care
Based on the information obtained, the treatment can be carried out accurately and safely.
Cosmetic dental care
Can be used to alter the appearance of teeth and fix functional issues.
Dental X-ray
Is an essential part of proper oral and dental examination.
Dental check-up
Assessment of oral and dental health and recommendations for further treatment.
Dental check-up for children and young people
Specialist dental check-up visit for children and adolescents.
Dental fear
Non-urgent consultation with a dentist specialized in treating patients with dental anxiety.
Dental fillings
Filling a tooth involves removing decayed tooth tissue and replacing it with a filling material.
Dental hygienist
Provides individual advice for tending to your oral health.
Dental laminates or veneers
Can be used to correct colour defects, straighten individual teeth on the dental arch without orthodontic treatment.
Dental specialists
Are dentists who are specialised in one of the disciplines of dentistry. Specialist dentist consultation.
Dental staining removal
Dental staining removal by a dental hygienist, including soda cleaning.
Dental treatment under general anaesthesia
The most common reason for performing dental treatment under general anaesthesia is dental fear.
Dentist
Examine, treat and prevent diseases and injuries in the oral and maxillofacial area.
Dentures or false teeth
Assessment and planning of further treatment by a specialist in prosthodontics.
Emergency dental care
Emergency visit for sudden toothache, accident or other acute symptoms.
Laser teeth whitening
A gel is applied to the surface of the teeth and the effect is enhanced by light.
Occlusal splints or mouth guards
Help the teeth muscles relax and protect teeth and dental structures.
Oral surgery
The examination and surgical treatment of the masticatory system and related tissues, diseases, and injuries.
Orthodontic treatment
Specialist dentist consultation to assess the need for orthodontic treatment.
Root canal treatment
The dentist treats an infected pulp of a tooth.
Tartar removal
Removal of tartar performed by a dental hygienist, including soda cleaning.
Teeth whitening
The safest and best teeth whitening is performed by a dental hygienist or dentist.
Tooth extraction
Sometimes, a tooth is in such bad condition that it cannot be saved.
Tooth jewellery application
A dental hygienist applies tooth jewellery safely and durably.
White Spot treatment
Fading or removal of tooth discolorations.
Whitening consultation (free)
The purpose of the consultation is to identify a possible need for treatment.
Wisdom tooth extraction
Wisdom teeth usually cause problems because there is not enough space for them to erupt.
Frequently asked questions about oral diseases
If an ulcer on the oral mucosa does not heal in two weeks, it should be shown to a dentist. Pale spots that do not heal spontaneously also require a dentist’s assessment of the situation.
If the oral symptoms are disturbing and persistent, it is advisable to consult a dentist.
Lumps on the gum or lip are usually harmless. If the lump is constantly caught between the teeth or causes disturbance otherwise, a dentist can remove it surgically.
A white lump on the gum is usually caused by overgrowth of bone. It is harmless and does not need to be treated. In some cases, an infected tooth can cause a lump on the gums. In this case, you need to see a dentist urgently.
Inflammation of the oral mucosa is not a separate disease. However, it may be caused by a yeast infection in the mouth that makes the mucous membranes red and sting. Contact your dentist to get the right treatment.
Partial thinning of the tongue’s mucous membranes can cause light and red patches on the tongue. In some cases, the symptom is associated with a burning sensation. Geographic tongue is harmless. However, if the symptoms are troublesome, you can get help from a dentist.
Overgrowth of the tongue’s papillae causes discolouration of the tongue and can make the tongue look hairy. It is a harmless property of the mucous membrane of the tongue, which can be alleviated with good oral hygiene. In particular, cleaning the tongue is important. Smoking typically makes the symptoms worse.